Osbahr, Wettstein sign letters of intent to play college football

Photos by Sydney Brodbeck and Maria Cristescu; story by DP athletics dept. 

On Wed., December 4, De Pere High School seniors Brock Osbahr and Ryan Wettstein will sign national letters of intent to compete in football at the collegiate level.

Osbahr is committing to play at South Dakota State University, an NCAA Division I school. Wettstein will sign with the University of Minnesota-Duluth, an NCAA Division II program.

Osbahr was a three-time all-Fox River Classic Conference honoree, including first team offense as a senior. A rare three-year starter on the offensive and defensive lines, he played right tackle this past season and was a key member of a unit that ranked No. 2 in rushing efficiency in the FRCC.

Osbahr completed his career with 70 total tackles, including nine tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.

“Brock really developed into an elite offensive lineman for us this season,” Redbirds coach Ben Strickland said. “We appreciated how bought in Brock was both in the offseason and every day in season. You really saw him develop because of his work ethic, positive attitude and attention to detail.

“He is only scratching the surface as far as offensive line play goes and we are excited to see how he will continue to grow and develop at a program like SDSU. Being able to play at a high level on both sides of the line is rare for a high school lineman, and Brock was able to do that seamlessly.

“Speaking for our entire coaching staff and football program, we are all excited for Brock to take the next step in playing for the two-time defending (FCS) national champions. He will be challenged and we couldn’t be more excited to see how he responds and thrives there.”

Wettstein earned all-FRCC recognition as a junior and senior. He was a two-year starter at cornerback and also played some wide receiver.

As a junior, Wettstein tallied 17 tackles and four interceptions to make the all-FRCC second team. Although his senior season was cut short due to injury, he still was named honorable mention with 19 tackles and one interception.

Ryan was a member of a defensive secondary that ranked second in the state across all divisions in interceptions this season. De Pere’s unit also was second in the FRCC in scoring defense, rushing defense and passing yards allowed.

“It has been such a joy to watch Ryan grow as both a player and person over the last three years,” Strickland said. “Ryan has really come into his own as an athlete and developed to maximize his potential by his commitment, discipline and consistency to the speed and strength program and also by being a multi-sport athlete.

“Minnesota-Duluth is getting a versatile player who can play all positions in the secondary – cornerback, safety, nickel or even flip sides of the ball to wide receiver if need be. More than what he brought to the football field was what he brought off the field and in the community – a high-character, driven and humble individual who represented our Redbird football family the right way, all the time. He was a role model for the younger players in the program and we will miss his example and leadership here as he moves onto the next level.

“At the University of Minnesota-Duluth he will have the opportunity to be a part of a program that has a strong tradition and is a great fit for Ryan. We wish him the best as he continues to grow and flourish into the player we know he can be.”

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